Topotecan is a semi-synthetic analog of camptothecin, a topoisomerase inhibitor. It has been investigated in a number of phase II trials as salvage therapy for recurrent ovarian cancer. Overall response rates have ranged from 6% to 27%. In a randomized comparative trial of topotecan versus paclitaxel, overall response rates were 21% and 14% respectively. The median survival for topotecan was 63 weeks as compared to 53 weeks for paclitaxel. Both drugs demonstrated higher response rates in platinum-sensitive tumors than platinum-resistant tumors. These data suggest that topotecan may be as active as paclitaxel, and partially non-cross resistant with cisplatin.